The Kenya Red Cross Society has cautioned members of the public against using jikos during the ongoing rainy and cold season especially in poorly ventilated houses.
Speaking in Kitale town during the Power of Humanity Walk, Kenya Red Cross Trans Nzoia County Coordinator Ruth Mining’wo said using a jiko in a house without good ventilation is dangerous since it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
“We know July is a cold month and we encourage the people we serve to keep warm using warm clothing. But even as you do so, you should be cautious and aware of the effects that carbon monoxide has if it is exposed too much within a confined space,” Mining’wo advised Trans Nzoia residents in an interview with Uasin Gishu News.
How to safely use a jiko
Her sentiments were echoed by Trans Nzoia West (Saboti) Deputy County Commissioner, Emma Kibara who called on members of the public to safely extinguish fire after use and before going to bed to avoid fire related accidents.
“We urge our people that as much as it is very cold, do not expose yourself and your loved ones by going to bed while your jiko is still burning. Please, follow these safety precautions and teach others because carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Do not be part of statistics,” the administrator urged.
On his part, Pradip Shah, a board member of Kenya Red Cross in the cosmopolitan County said the day was marked to sensitize the people of Trans Nzoia about safety.
“We have just said it is safety first and safety always. You must protect yourself and you protect others. We are saying you put off any fire that you do not need, just use the fire when you feel it is right and you are there to look after it,” Pradip stated.
Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels like charcoal. It is known as “silent killer”.
Globally, it is estimated that 29,000 deaths caused by unintentional carbon monoxide gas are reported annually.
